Inspired by our popular 12 Days of Giving feature in December, we want to share some ways you can volunteer and give back to the Inland Empire. From volunteering to donating and making cards for kids in the hospital, we have great ways to give this week.

12/7, Feed the Homeless – Volunteer at Feeding America IE from 8a.m. to 3:30p.m. There’s no better way to show someone you can than to help take care of their basic necessities. Volunteer to help feed local Americans. Volunteers must be 18 and over, however children 12 and over can participate if they are with a guardian. Check out additional guidelines here.

TUESDAY

12/8, Help Animals – Sign up to volunteer at West End Animal Shelter in Ontario. Call (909) 947-3517 and fill out the application here. If you’re at least 18 years old and have 10 hours a month to dedicate to volunteering, then the animals at this shelter will be forever grateful. All volunteers must attend an orientation meeting.

12/9, Donate – Make Cards 4 Kids for the young patients at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda. Cheer up patients with greetings like “Thinking of You,” “Have a Nice Day” or “Happy Holidays.” A sweet greeting can make all the difference in the life of a child at Loma Linda. For more information about card specifications and where to mail them. Find more information here.

THURSDAY

12/10, Volunteer – Sign up to make a difference for women and children who are homeless by volunteering at Time For Change in San Bernardino. This wonderful organization has aided more than 650 families since its start. You can download the volunteer application HERE or email info@timeforchangefoundation.com.

12/10, Donate Clothing – Drop clothes off at the Goodwill. Find a location near you using this website. Considering the huge amount of new toys and clothing that we bring into our homes during the holidays, there’s nothing better than clearing it out. You can teach your children how amazing it is to giving back.

FRIDAY

12/11, Volunteer – Sign up to volunteer with The Children’s Forest Great Seeds Restoration Program. Email volunteer@mountainsfoundation.org to sign up to volunteer at one of their monthly events. It's important to teach your children how important it is to take care of nature. Let them learn first-hand with Southern California Mountains Foundation.

12/11, Toy Donation – Not everyone can afford to have a holiday filled with toys, so help make the difference to kids and teens in the Inland Empire. Drop off toys off a Spark of Love drop off box in your area. One toy can make a huge impact to a local child this month.